Ebert Speaks, Makes Oscar Picks on Oprah

Computer program lets cancer-ravaged critic find his old voice

Receive the latest television updates in your inbox

Film critic Roger Ebert, who lost his ability to speak after cancer surgery, went on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and made his Oscar picks using a computer-generated voice.

Computer programmers at Scotland-based CereProc took voice samples from Ebert's recorded work and made a program that allows him to type words that are then translated in his voice.

"In first grade, they said I talk too much. And now I still can," Ebert said on the Tuesday show.

With wife Chaz next to him, Ebert crossed his fingers when Winfrey said he is cancer free, holding a hand to his heart to show affection and made eager grasps at the air when Winfrey asked if he misses food. He can no longer eat.